Improvement in slate-frames



THE GRAPHIC CO. PH OTO-LITHJZS; kl PARK PLACEJLY.

UNITED STATEs PATENT OFFICE.

I CHARLES J. SHIELDS, OF ADRIAN, MICHIGAN.

IMPROVEMENT IN SLATE-FRAMES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 158,444, dated January 5, 1875; application filed November 5, 1874.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, CHARLES J. SHIELDS, of Adrian, county of Lenawee and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Slates, of which the following is a specification:

My invention relates to ordinary slates composed of a plate surrounded by a wooden frame; and the nature of my invention consists in a receptacle formed within said frame to contain the slate-pencil, as will be herein after more fully set forth.

In order to enable others skilled in the art to which my invention appertains to make and use the same, I will now proceed to describe how the same may be constructed, referring to the annexed drawing, which forms a part of this specification, and in which- Figure 1 is a plan view, and Fig. 2 is a crosssection, showing my invention.

The object of my invention is to protect the pencil from breakage when not in use, and at the same time to have it close at hand with the slate without any danger of losing it, and without having any exterior attachments on the slate-frame, but so that the pencil shall be entirely within the frame.

A represents the ordinary slate-frame, in one side of which is bored a hole, 0, through one end of a side piece and longitudinally into the adjoining side piece for a suitable distance. A slot is cut from the outer edge of the frame into this hole, to within a short distance of either end. In the hole 0 is inserted a suitable spring, 01, so formed as to press the pencil against the side of the hole, and thus form an adequate holding device. The spring cl is so formed as to provide a base for the reception of a pencil, and has a thumb-piece, e, which projects through the slot, affording a convenient means for operating the device.

The pencil is inserted from the end and pressed into the holder, where it is retained in place by the pressure of the spring.

\Vhen the thumb piece is moved to the outer end of the slot, the spring will project beyond the end of the hole and relieve the pencil from pressure.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The sliding pencil-holder having the spring and thumb piece, in combination with the slate-frame, adapted to receive the same, substantially as shown, and for the purpose specified.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I hereunto affix my signature this 29th day of October, 1874:.

CHARLES J. SHIELDS. Witnesses:

JOHN KIRBY, J r., J OHN SoHEcK. 

